Frequent handwashing, exposure to soap, or working with cleaning products without gloves can make this dryness worse over time.
3. Nutrient Deficiencies
Another common factor is lack of essential vitamins and minerals, especially:
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Iron
- Zinc
- Magnesium
As we age, our bodies don’t absorb nutrients as efficiently. That means even if you’re eating well, you might still fall short in certain areas — and your nails could be one of the first places to show it.
If you’ve also been experiencing fatigue, thinning hair, or slow healing, it might be worth speaking to your doctor about possible deficiencies.
4. Underlying Health Conditions
In rarer cases, pronounced vertical ridges could be a sign of a health issue that needs attention. Some possible causes include:
- Poor circulation
- Thyroid imbalances (both underactive and overactive)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
If nail ridges are accompanied by other unusual symptoms — such as joint pain, changes in skin texture, or unexplained fatigue — it’s best to have it checked by a healthcare professional.